He held her very close.
“How could you have gone away like that? I have been frantic, wondering what had happened to you. When you did not return, I contacted every friend I have heard you mention, but none of them knew where you were.”
“I was hiding, Papa, and you know why.”
“I was a fool to think of making you marry someone you did not want to. Now you are back, I will never even think of it again.”
“That is just what I wanted you to say, Papa!”
“What I have found out, dear Tasia, is that I cannot manage without you. Actually, as I am greedy enough to want you to myself, I shall be very against your marrying anyone!”
Tasia laughed.
“You are quite safe, Papa. I want to stay with you and it will be like the old days without you frightening me as you did and making me run away.”
